Earlier this year, we shared our impressions of a pre-release screening of Superman at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank. Last week, we had the opportunity to return—this time to host a very special group. As an Honorary Consul and member of the Executive Committee of the Los Angeles Consular Corps, I was honored to work with Warner Brothers to arrange a private studio visit for sixty-five members of the Corps.

Warner Brothers has long been a cornerstone of Southern California’s creative identity. Founded in 1923 by four brothers—Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack—it grew from modest beginnings into one of the world’s premier entertainment studios. The Burbank lot has seen the filming of countless classics, from Casablanca to A Star Is Born, and continues to thrive as a hub of movie and television production.

We were warmly welcomed by Michael Walbrecht, Vice President and Director of Public Affairs, who hosted a wonderful luncheon for our group. Remarks followed from Mr. Walbrecht, Zaib Shaikh, the Dean of the Consular Corps, and Jay Roewe, HBO’s Senior Vice President for Global Incentives and Production Planning. Mr. Roewe’s engaging presentation outlined where HBO and Warner Brothers are filming around the world, how local economies benefit, and what steps countries can take to attract major productions.

Our visit concluded with a behind-the-scenes studio tour—exploring sound stages, outdoor sets, and the vast properties rooms housing legendary film props. It was an inspiring and unforgettable experience, a true Southern California gem that celebrates both imagination and innovation.

Los Angeles Consular Corps are being welcomed at Warner Brothers Studios. Drs. Bunkis and Ekstrom are shown here with Abdu Saoud, Honorary Consul for Morocco (far right), and Warner Bros Senior VP, Michael Walbrecht.

Dr. Ekstrom all set up at the entrance with name badges, graciously prepared by Gina in our office, with each Consul’s name, title, and country flag. Los Angeles has the third largest Consular Corps in the world (only New York and Hong Kong are larger), with 103 Consulates in LA region – 67 consuls RSVP’d to this successful event!

Replica of the Oval Office, complete with a copy of the famous Resolute Desk. Drs. Bunkis and Ekstrom are accompanied by the Honorable Hessa Butti Alshuweihi, Consul General of United Arab Emirates (far right), the Honorable Gasim Shirinli (standing to left of Dr. Bunkis) and his staff from Azerbaijan Consulate

QUIZ TIME!

Quiz: Which statement about abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is true?
A) It is primarily a weight loss procedure.
B) Recovery always requires at least a week in the hospital.
C) It removes only fat, not skin.
D) It can tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin.
E) It is best performed while the patient is actively losing weight.

Answer: D — Abdominoplasty tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin for a smoother, more youthful contour.

I have been performing abdominoplasties for 40 years, and during that time this operation has evolved tremendously. In earlier years, tummy tucks were performed almost exclusively in hospitals, and patients typically stayed overnight or even up to five nights. Today, advances in anesthesia and surgical technique allow virtually all procedures to be done safely as outpatient surgeries—patients go home the same day and recover more rapidly and comfortably.

Modern anesthesia techniques minimize nausea and pain, while the widespread use of cautery has dramatically reduced blood loss, shortened operating times, and improved overall safety. The addition of the long lasting local anesthetic, Exparel, has drastically reduced post-operative discomfort. In addition, liposuction is now frequently combined with abdominoplasty to sculpt the surrounding areas and “feather” the edges of the flap, producing a smoother, more natural transition. These refinements create results that are more aesthetic, with less downtime than ever before.

Good candidates are men or women who are at or near their ideal weight, have a stable weight history, and are bothered by loose abdominal skin or laxity of the abdominal wall, often following pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss. If you have any concerns regarding your abdominal wall, give us a call and we can discuss your options.

This 50 year old normal weight, fit female disliked her abdominal wall following a few pregnancies. She is shown here before and after an abdominoplasty with this pleasing result. (Actual patient of Dr. Deborah Ekstrom.)

Orange County Plastic Surgery at CosmetiCare
1101 Bayside Drive, Suite 200
Corona del Mar, CA 92625

Take the elevator to the second floor (Suite 200) and check in with the front desk for your consultation or follow-up.
Free Parking Available.